Mikia Kalati
LIOLI defender, Kopano Tseka is in South Africa undergoing trials at South African National First Division (NFD) side-Uthongathi.
The Kwazulu Natal outfit are also assessing Bantu’s South African striker, Lindokuhle Phungulwa.
Phungulwa was instrumental in the Mafeteng side’s retention of the league title and was the biggest winner at the recently held end of season awards. The former Bloemfontein Celtic youth player bagged the Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards.
Tseka told this publication that he was invited for trials at Uthongathi after an impressive show at the COSAFA Cup with Likuena in South Africa last month.
The defender partnered Basia Makepe in the heart of the Likuena’s defence for their quarterfinal and semi-final against Swaziland and Zimbabwe respectively.
He also played as a second half substitute in the 1-0 win over Madagascar that earned Likuena bronze medals at the tournament.
“I have been here since Monday,” Tseka said.
“On the first day we were nine defenders and the list has now been reduced to five players.”
Tseka however, said has suffered from the language barrier as most of the players only speak IsiZulu with only the coach speaking English.
“Language is so far the biggest challenge but the fact that the coach speaks English has been helpful.”
He joins the Likuena trio of Tumelo Khutlang, Nkoto Masoabi and Luciano Matsoso who are at Black Leopards where they are likely to be based from next season.
Likuena coach, Moses Maliehe, said he was happy that his players have impressed South African clubs which will improve their careers if they secure contracts.
“It is good for the players and our football at large. I hope the players get contracts in the better resourced leagues. It is a sign that we are on the right track and the boys deserve an opportunity because they have done well playing for the national team.
“It is also a motivation for their teammates to work hard all the time when they play for the national team,” Maliehe said.
